Nakasendo Trail One Day Walking Tour from Matsumoto

I definitely recommend this tour to the people who love history and nature. Our tour guide Devin is very knowledgeable about Japanese history and topography. He was very enthusiastic about sharing everything interesting during our hiking. We learnt a lot of things about Japan from him.

Five-star rating for our Australian friend and guide, Kieron. He arrived at the meeting point early. Today, it was just my family and me, so it felt like a VIP tour. My family doesn't speak much English, so today was also a day of paid English practice 😂 (Kieron mentioned his main job is a high school foreign language teacher). He was very talkative and could even understand our not-so-perfect English. Because there weren't many people, he took us to several extra sights and viewpoints along the way. The weather was a bit cloudy today, but thankfully it didn't rain heavily, so it was quite comfortable. Throughout the trip, he also provided explanations about Japanese history, culture, architecture, and plants.

The Nakasendo Trail was a great experience and everything we had hoped it would be. We picked up the tour in Matsumoto and, while it was a bit of a ride to get there, the scenery was marvelous and the bus was on the smaller side and new, modern and comfortable. Our guide, Devin, was friendly and personable and shared a wealth of knowledge about the origins of the trail and post stop structures and history in general. My husband and I hikeed at our own pace and connected with our small group at the end of the trail. The scenery was just gorgeous and the time allowed was completely adequate for the hike and browsing shops at the end. It was a great time!

We had such a great time on this guided tour! Our guide was super nice and explained everything we saw along the way - from the old post towns and traditional houses to the forests and mountain views. It really helped us appreciate all the little details and history behind the trail. The walk itself was beautiful and not too hard, with plenty of chances to stop, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. Definitely recommend this tour if you want to experience the Nakasendo Trail and learn about its history with a friendly, knowledgeable guide!

Joyce was our guide for the hike. She was patient and knowledgeable and explained the histories of the site. The day was fine and everyone had a good time though some sections may be a bit tough. Anyway, I enjoy the hike thoroughly. Thanks to Joyce and the weather, we made good tome and the hike was a success for everyone.

Devin was our guide. He is extremely well verse in Japanese and he also knows the culture and history very well. Some parts of the hike was tough but it’s totally worth it. Both my son and I had a wonderful time together. It’s also something very different from the usual tours. Big thumbs up.

This is an excellent adventure for the casual/beginner hiker. Our guide Devon has designed a well-thought out hike from Tsumago to Magome - the best preserved parts of the old Nakasendo Way. It's not hard to imagine yourself on some errand from the Shogun heading out on the cobbled paths through the silent cedar forests, travelling steadily on foot. Here in the present, you'll also appreciate the convenient pick up and drop off from Matsumoto Station from the tour bus. On the 2-3 hour tour, you really understand how immensely organized the old travel system was. Highly recommend and 💯 would do it again.